Chapter 24
When he got to his lair he saw that Antoinette was reassuring Poppy. She was crying faintly. When Erik walked into the room, Antoinette shot a fierce look to Erik. She whispered to Poppy. She nodded. Poppy sat down on the couch. She placed her head in her hands.
Mme. Giry walked over to Erik. She glared up at him. "I hope you're content!" She hissed quietly. "Poppy is in shock. She's strong, but she's should not to have to do what she had to do. Lord, she's only 19. I want you to stop chasing Christine and start opening your eyes!" She looked back at Poppy, concern in her eyes, then back Erik, "I have to go. Talk to her."
After a last glare to him, Giry let Erik turned to Poppy. She was still on the couch, head in her hands crying slightly. He walked over to her and after a tentative moment, sat down next to her. "Poppy?"
She brought her head up, "Erik? I—I didn't mean to kill him! But he was trying to hurt me! So—it was self-defense, wasn't it?" She turned to face him. Her white eyes full of tears.
He didn't know what compelled him, but without a word he gathered her in his arms, holding her tight and close. "It is fine. You did no wrong. You were defending yourself. And with him gone, you have helped protect many other girls. But it is all right to cry. So go on and cry." He soothed her.
Poppy relaxed into his arms. It felt good to be there. Her parents never hugged, kissed or loved her. Even if Erik didn't love her, it still felt good to lean on someone for a change. She nuzzled closer to him, and slowly fell asleep.
Erik knew when she fell asleep. Her haggard breathing slowed down. He continued to hold her. As he did, he studied her features. Her white eyes were closed. Her pale face relaxed. She was truly beautiful. Not in the way Christine was. But, Poppy held her own. Erik brushed a few strands of ruby hair out of her face. Gently, he picked her up and carried her to her bedroom. He placed her down on the comforter and covered her up. He was tempted to kiss her, but quickly dismissed it. Ayesha jumped up on the bed and curled up on Poppy's chest, glaring up at him with her crossed blue eyes. He reached out to remove her, when her eyes narrowed even more and quietly hissed. Erik was taken back. "So, you are mad at me as well, mon chaton." She only glared up at him. He sighed and left the room, closing the door quietly. Erik walked out into the main room.
"So how's it feel to have even your beloved cat hate you at the moment?"
